'Thank U NHS' Spitfire to fly above Calderdale Royal Hospital in tribute to staff

The names will be nominated by the public as a way of recognising small acts of kindness throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. From a family member to a kind neighbour, close friend or community hero, the public can now thank them with this special gesture.

In return for their donation, their nominated name will be one of those written on the Spitfire, which has an 80,000 name capacity.

As the names are added, the UK will be able to watch this extraordinary visual spectacle unfold, and the aircraft will be making a very special visit over Calderdale.

It is estimated that the spitfire will be in the skies above Calderdale Royal Hospital at 2.30pm on August 30.

John Romain, Founder & Managing Director of Aircraft Restoration Company said: "The response to our initial flight over the last 8pm #clapforourcarers Thursday was incredibly

humbling, with hundreds of people from the local community sharing how wonderful it was to not only see the Spitfire, but also to read the message emblazoned across its wings. After such positive response we decided to leave the message painted on the Spitfire for the rest of the flying season, this is where the idea to hand write the names of the nation’s loved ones onto the aircraft to raise money for the NHS Charities Together began.”

Route timings are estimates and subject to slight change during flight. Due to current unpredictability of weather, flight routes may be postponed if low cloud or rain prohibits flying.

To have your name or the name of a loved one written onto the NHS Spitfire visit JustGiving.com/nhsspitfire.

To submit a name, you will simply need to donate a minimum of £10 via the specific campaign’s JustGiving page, fundraising for the NHS Charities Together, whose funds support staff, patients and volunteers across the country.

You will then need to state your loved one’s name and reason for nomination in their donation comment.

The aim is to lift the spirits of those across the UK, many of whom are still living in some form of isolation, whilst also thanking the hospitals, communities and individuals who have been at the forefront of getting the country through the pandemic.

The public will be able to view progress updates and carefully planned flight routes via the Aircraft Restoration Company Instagram, Facebook and website.

©George Lewis Romain